ACCTS Critical Care Transfer Driver/Assistant (South Wales)

Welcome to Swansea Bay University Health Board. We welcome applications from people who share our values: caring for each other, working together and always improving.
Swansea Bay University Health Board reserve the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.
Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff currently awaiting redeployment and we therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job overview
ACCTS Cymru is a road-based service, deploying with state-of-the-art critical care transfer vehicles and equipment. Every mission is supported by a highly skilled team, including a critical care transfer physician, a support worker, and a retrieval and transfer practitioner. These practitioners bring diverse expertise, with backgrounds in nursing, operating department practice, and paramedicine, all with extensive intensive care experience and specialised training in inter-facility critical care transfer.
Each year, approximately 800 critical care transfers (Level 2 and Level 3) are undertaken across Wales. In response to the growing demand for critical care and the regionalisation of specialist services, the Welsh Government launched the Adult Critical Care Transfer Service (ACCTS) Cymru in 2020. As networks continue to develop and evolve, the number of transfers is set to rise, reflecting the increasing need for this essential service.
This exciting role is perfect for those who are suitably qualified and offers an unique opportunity to work at the forefront of critical care transfers in Wales.
Main duties of the job
This is a developmental role, commencing with undertaking operational, driving and maintenance duties, then expanding into an assistant role within the critical care transfer team as the individual develops knowledge and skills in this area.
Driving duties will include daily vehicle inspection and ensuring readiness for operations, with clear communications through the duty operational manager or critical care hub to swiftly report any defects or issues. The ability to plan an efficient and smooth journey between hospitals is important. Training for driving under emergency (\’blue light\’) conditions will be provided if required in partnership with our colleagues at Welsh Ambulance Service.
Experience of critical care transfer in Wales has shown that employing an individual to drive the transfer vehicle who is also skilled and experienced in supporting the transfer team clinicians to manage and package patients prior to transfer increases service and network efficiency. Full training will be provided in this regard, with initial equipment and process familiarisation during induction, then ongoing training in the clinical setting under the supervision of the retrieval and transfer physician and practitioner.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services – we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values – Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe\’s most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city – look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person specification
Registration and Eligibility
Essential criteria

• DBS clearance
• Eligible to work in the UK

Qualifications
Essential criteria

• Full UK driving licence including category C/C1
• Maximum of 3 penalty points
• AACE endorsed NHS ambulance service emergency driver training: IHCD, BTEC or Level 3 CERAD

Experience
Essential criteria

• Demonstrable previous experience of driving category C/C1 vehicles
• Previous experience of ambulance service work in a public, private or third (voluntary) sector capacity
• Familiarity with and competence in operating ambulance and patient handling equipment

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in the hospital or healthcare environment
• Knowledge of the fundamentals aspects of care and the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing

Personal Attributes, Communication and Team Working
Essential criteria

• Ability to work under pressure and in emotive situations

Desirable criteria

• Ability to speak Welsh

Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and applications are welcomed from persons with disabilities. A disability will not prejudice your application. If you are unable to submit your application in the requested format because of a disability please contact the Recruitment Team, who will agree a more suitable way for you to apply. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification will be invited to interview.
To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable
Documents to download

• Job Description and Personal Specification – Bilingual (PDF, 373.4KB)
• Occupational Health Functional Requirements Form (PDF, 704.5KB)
• Privacy Notice (PDF, 696.3KB)
• Guidance notes for Applicants (PDF, 278.7KB)
• Applicant Guide (PDF, 624.8KB)